Real Treasure

The Light Before Day by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a marvellous Christian historical novel with a dual timeline of the late seventeenth century and mid nineteenth century. It is the third book in the Nantucket legacy but can be read as a stand-alone. This has been a fascinating series that is grounded in reality as fact blends with fiction to enthral the reader.

The novel is about treasure – actual and literal. The real treasure is to be found within people, people whose hearts are in tune with God and whose eyes see others, and whose hands reach out to others. Bricks and mortar, earthly treasures can be replaced. People are priceless.

There is the theme of abolition running throughout the series. The islanders are against slavery but prejudice and injustice still run through their lives. Education is still segregated and has nothing to do with intelligence. It takes bravery and courage to face the authorities to take a stand. “We must be willing to make a stand against injustice.”

The islanders are traditionally Quakers but not all worship here. The importance is that God is worshipped, not what domination we are. “God was not confined to a square room.” God can be found in nature and in homes. He does not remain in a building. We take God wherever we go.

Family ties are important. Heritage is important. We need to gain wisdom and learn lessons from our ancestors.

The mid nineteenth century was a time of new inventions. Some of these are mentioned in the book and are fascinating to read about.

I have loved this Nantucket Legacy series. Suzanne Woods Fisher always writes fabulous tales that educate, entertain and inform. I cannot put them down. Give yourself a treat and escape to Nantucket today.

I received this book for free from Net Galley. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON